Iraqi official: Peshmerga will not enter Mosul

ERBIL, Kurdistan Region (Kurdistan24) – An Iraqi official stated on Sunday that Peshmerga forces would not enter the city of Mosul during the upcoming offensive to push the Islamic State (IS) out.

Head of the Hashd al-Shaabi and National Security Advisor Falih al-Fayadh told reporters there was an agreement with the Kurdistan Region regarding the participation of the Kurdish forces.

He explained Peshmerga would participate in the Mosul liberation operation but not enter the city center.

According to Fayadh, there is also an agreement between the Region and the Iraqi government stating Peshmerga forces will only stay in the surrounding areas of Mosul.

Moreover, the decision had already been approved by the Kurdistan Region President and Commander-in-Chief of Peshmerga forces Masoud Barzani.

“The Iraqi army, police, and Hashd al-Shaabi forces will enter the city center of Mosul,” Fayadh said.

He added that the structure of the Shia militias participating in the Mosul offensive is complete and officially endorsed.

However, the appointment of a commander for the Hashd al-Shaabi forces partaking in the liberation operation is pending.

“The number of Hashd al-Shaabi fighters participating in the offensive has reached 15,000,” Fayadh added.

In late July, President Barzani, during a meeting with the Sunni Arab tribal leaders from the Nineveh province, said Peshmerga forces would participate in Mosul’s liberation but would not enter the city.

Additionally, President Barzani emphasized that there should be a clear and detailed agreement regarding post-IS Nineveh Province.

Mosul is the second-largest city in Iraq and has been under the control of IS since June 2014.

Editing by Ava Homa and Karzan Sulaivany